Overview of Total Expenses for a Medical Aesthetics Trip to South Korea in 2026 | All-inclusive Cost Calculation Including Air Tickets, Accommodation, and Treatment Fees (Three Budget Options Included)

“How much money should I bring if I go to South Korea for Dermatology treatment?” This is by far the most frequently asked question we receive.

When many people plan their first medical beauty trip to South Korea, their biggest concern is often this: after buying the flight tickets and booking the hotel, they realize upon arriving at the clinic that they don’t have enough money – or they don’t understand how much they actually spent until they get back home. Let me break down the four main expenses – flight tickets, accommodation, treatment fees, and meals and transportation – for you, along with the actual price ranges and conversions into Taiwanese dollars. After reading this, you will be able to accurately determine your budget and avoid making wild guesses.

I. Air tickets: Round-trip ticket from Taipei to Seoul

This is the type of expense that is easiest to control, because the price range remains very stable.

Budget airlines (highly recommended)

傳統航空（求舒適）

💡 省錢技巧：挑德威或易斯達的特價時段（週二/週三出發最便宜），來回 NT$4,500 內搞定。若行程包含週末，來回約加 NT$1,000-2,000。醫美行程建議排 3-4 天（含術後觀察），所以不用買太貴的彈性票。

這項抓 NT$5,000-8,000（廉航）是絕大多數人的選擇。

二、住宿：首爾 3 晚

醫美行程通常排 3-5 天，住宿 3 晚是最常見的配置。選對區域很重要——離診所近，做完療程不用舟車勞頓。

How to choose a accommodation area?

💡 The best option for those seeking medical beauty treatments: Stay at an affordable hotel near Gangnam Station, costing around NT$2,000 per night. After the treatment, you can return to the hotel within 5 minutes to apply ice packs and rest. Spending NT$6,000 for 3 nights is the most reasonable choice.

III. Treatment costs: This is where the real action takes place.

The cost of airfare and accommodation together probably accounts for less than half of the total expenses. The real variable lies in what treatment you plan to undergo.

List of popular dermatology treatment prices in South Korea in 2026

⚠️ Important notice: The above prices refer to the market rates of general clinics in Gangnam District, Seoul. The same treatment may vary in price by 30-60% depending on the clinic. For the latest prices from various clinics, it is recommended to visit BeautsGO for direct comparisons, which make it easy to see the differences. For detailed price information, please refer to our compiled price lists for Oaro Dermatology in Seoul and Busan Genius in Busan; both lists provide specific prices for each treatment.

How to manage the costs of treatment programs?

IV. Food, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses

This is often the most overlooked aspect, but it still represents a significant expense over a period of 3 to 4 days.

💡 For transportation and meals during the 3-day treatment period, spending NT$5,000 to NT$8,000 is more than sufficient. Want to save even more? You can keep expenses under NT$3,000 by buying instant rice balls and instant noodles from convenience stores, but it’s still better to treat yourself well after completing the treatment.

V. Three budget options, simply copied as is

Here are the three most common configurations; simply choose one that best meets your needs:

Which of these three options is suitable for whom?

💡 The most highly recommended option is the “affordable” package: It costs around NT$53,000 and includes an HIFU treatment plus Rejuran. The accommodation is clean and comfortable, and the overall experience is very positive – the results are definitely visible upon returning to Taiwan. The same treatment in Taiwan would likely cost between NT$80,000 and NT$120,000. By flying to South Korea, you can save 30–50% on the total cost, and you can also enjoy a three-day vacation along the way.

VI. Money-saving tips: Spend less and get more results

① Flight: Book a flight departing on Tuesday.

The cheapest airfares are available for flights departing on Tuesdays or Wednesdays; avoid traveling on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. If your schedule permits, consider choosing a “red-eye flight + arrival in Seoul early in the morning” option, which can help reduce the total cost to around NT$4,000 for round-trip flights.

② Accommodation: Hotels in the vicinity of Gangnam Station offer the highest cost-performance ratio.

Don’t stay in Myeongdong – it’s expensive, and the hotels may not be close to the clinics. Business hotels around Exit 2 of Gangnam Station cost between NT$1,800 and NT$2,500 per night, and the quality is quite good. The best thing is that you can walk back to your hotel right after your treatment.

③ Treatment schedule: It is possible to undergo multiple treatments at one time; please discuss the package details with the clinic.

Dermatology clinics in South Korea generally offer “package discounts.” For example, combining Thermage with Rejuran usually results in a 10-20% discount. However, it is important to confirm in advance whether each treatment in the package is performed by the chief physician personally. If you want to know which clinics provide transparent package prices, you can refer to the detailed price list of UMI Dermatology in South Korea, which includes specific examples of how these packages are structured.

⚠️ However, be cautious: some low-priced packages may use outdated equipment or be performed by doctors other than the clinic director. Although the price is low, the quality of service may suffer accordingly. It is recommended to verify the clinic’s equipment and the qualifications of the doctors before making a decision, rather than simply relying on the price. Related tips: Can you trust low-priced packages at Dermatology clinics in Seoul?

④ Payment: Dual options available – credit card for tax refund or cash payment

For more expensive treatments (such as Thermage), it is recommended to use a credit card, as you can get a 7-10% tax refund at the airport. For less expensive procedures (such as hyaluronic acid injections), paying in cash in South Korean won may result in a discount. For detailed information on payment methods, please refer to: “A Comprehensive Guide to Payment Methods in Dermatology in South Korea”.

⑤ Time: Avoid South Korea’s national holidays

During South Korea’s Spring Festival (Seolnal) and Mid-Autumn Festival (Chuseok), clinics are usually closed, and airfare and accommodation costs double. Be sure to check the South Korean calendar before making your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are the prices for Dermatology treatments in South Korea really cheaper than those in Taiwan? Is it worth flying just for that?

It’s really cheap, and the price difference is significant. Take Thermage FLX for the whole face as an example: in Taiwan, the cost is around NT$80,000 to NT$120,000, while in Gangnam District, Seoul, it’s approximately NT$34,000 to NT$68,000 – a difference of 30% to 60%. If you only opt for basic treatments (such as hyaluronic acid injections), the price difference is smaller, but considering the costs of accommodation and airfare, it’s still worth it – especially if you schedule 2 to 3 treatments at once to spread out these expenses. For a more comprehensive comparison of treatment prices, please refer to the price list provided by Oaro Dermatology.

Q2: Can I take a flight back to Taiwan on the same day after completing the treatment?

It depends on what the treatment is. For non-invasive procedures such as hyaluronic acid injections or Botox, you can fly on the same day after the treatment. However, it is recommended to wait at least 1-2 days after treatments like Thermage or HIFU before flying, as the skin may become red and the dry environment on the plane is not conducive to recovery. Here is a suggested itinerary: Day 1 – Arrive in Seoul; Day 2 – Undergo the treatment; Day 3 – Rest; Day 4 – Return to Taiwan.

Q3: Is a total expenditure of NT$50,000 not enough?

That’s exactly our “affordable” package. For just NT$50,000, you can get an HIFU treatment combined with Rejuran, and all expenses including flight tickets, accommodation, and meals are covered. If you choose Thermage, the total cost will range from NT$80,000 to NT$100,000.

Q4: Is it true that the prices for Dermatology treatments are the same in South Korea as they are abroad? Will foreigners be charged more?

Regular clinics, especially those certified by BeautsGO, do indeed charge the same prices for both local and foreign customers, and their treatment price lists are transparent and publicly available. However, some clinics do offer higher “package prices” to foreigners, so it is important to choose clinics with clearly listed prices. Before traveling, you can refer to the South Korea Dermatology Consultation Fees Q&A for detailed tips on how to avoid such pitfalls.

Q5: If I visit South Korea once, how many treatment sessions are recommended?

Two to three treatments are considered the most ideal; too many may actually reduce the effectiveness of the treatments. For example: one main anti-aging treatment (HIFU or Thermage) + one repair and moisturizing treatment (Rejuran) + one targeted treatment (for botulinum toxin application areas). In this case, the total cost of the treatment course is approximately NT$30,000 to NT$80,000, offering the highest cost-performance ratio.

Q6: If I don’t speak Korean, will there be any issues with making appointments or undergoing consultations?

Don’t worry at all. The BeautsGO platform features a completely Chinese-language interface – you can search for clinics, compare prices, and make appointments all in Chinese. Upon arriving at the clinic, most Dermatology departments in Gangnam offer Chinese-speaking translators or consultants. If you’re still concerned, you may refer to this question: What if I don’t speak Korean and need to visit a Dermatology clinic in South Korea?

Q7: Is it more cost-effective to use a credit card or pay in cash?

For transactions over NT$30,000 using a credit card, you can get a 7-10% tax refund at the airport. For smaller amounts (under NT$10,000) paid in cash, some clinics offer cash discounts. It is recommended to bring both options; however, check with the clinic in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. For a comprehensive guide, see: Complete Guide to Payment Methods for Dermatology Treatments in South Korea.

Q8: If I want to undergo Dermatology treatment in South Korea, is it better to go with friends or go alone?

Both options are feasible, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Going alone: You have complete freedom in your schedule and don’t have to compromise, but you might feel better having someone accompany you after the treatment. Going with friends: You can share the accommodation costs and take care of each other, but you’ll need to coordinate your treatment schedules. If you’re worried about going alone, you can first watch the reservation tutorial provided by Oaro Dermatology, which explains every step from making a reservation to receiving treatment in detail.

In summary, your budget should be managed in this way.

In a nutshell: NT$22,000 for an introductory experience → NT$53,000 for the complete luxury package → NT$107,000 for a truly luxurious experience.

The vast majority of Taiwanese people who go to South Korea for Dermatology treatment for the first time opt for the “affordable” option, which costs around NT$50,000. This option offers effective treatments, comfortable accommodation, and visible results upon return, making it the most cost-effective choice.

No matter which option you choose, remember these three things before you set off: ① First, check the prices of the treatment programs on BeautsGO; ② Book accommodation near the Gangnam Station; ③ Make sure you have your passport and the screenshot of your reservation. With that, you can go ahead with your trip without any worries.